Sunday's festivities, from 1 to 4 p.m., will include tributes by local surf personalities, live music by the Eliminators, strolling ukulele players, refreshments and activities for children. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children younger than 12.

About the exhibit:

Dates: Sunday through Aug. 31

Where: Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente

Why: Harrison (1913-93) was a waterman who helped popularize surfing and facets of Hawaiian surf culture – outrigger canoeing and the ukulele – on Southern California beaches. The longtime resident of Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano fished for his food, caught lobster, built his own surfboards, boats and canoes and wove what became his signature palm-frond hats.

What you'll see: Photographs, surfboards, an early canoe, examples of Harrison's craft and development of the Southern California beach lifestyle

Related event: At 7 p.m. July 14, Doheny State Beach ranger Jim Serpa will discuss sharks, their habits and their relationship with humans. Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children.

For kids: At 6 p.m. Aug. 4, children's author Roberto Diaz and retired lifeguard/surf champion Richard Chew offer insights about having fun and staying safe in the ocean. Admission is $7 for adults, free for kids.

Details: Call 949-498-2139

A LOOK BACK

Some tidbits from a 1975 Fred Swegles interview with Harrison, then 62:

• Took up surfing at age 15 in 1928, when surfers were rare in California. Lugged his board to the beach in a Ford Model T.

• Was a key figure in popularizing San Onofre as a surf break.

• After graduating from high school in 1932, stowed away to Hawaii on the SS Monterey to surf. Got caught and was shipped back to California.

Related Links

Wearing one of his trademark woven hats, Lorrin Harrison greets friends in a 1980 photo. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The now-late Lorrin Harrison, the subject of a summer exhibit at San Clemente's Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, displays his exuberance in this 1980 photo. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Lorrin Harrison was fit at age 67 in this 1980 photo. FRED SWEGLES, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.